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Can I offer contests that involve charity donations in Georgia? What are the requirements?

Yes, you can offer contests that involve charity donations in Georgia. However, specific requirements must be met depending on the type of contest.

Requirements for Charitable Events Permit

If the contest involves the sale of alcoholic beverages, a Charitable Events Permit must be obtained [3.2]. To obtain the permit, bona fide non-profit charitable and civic organizations must apply and include a copy of an official document such as non-profit certification by the Internal Revenue Service or constitution and by-laws of the organization, or a corporate charter which clearly states the purpose of the organization. Additionally, the application must include a letter of authorization for the event from the local governing authority, or a signed affidavit from the applicant, confirming that the applicant is in compliance with all local ordinances and regulations concerning special or charitable events. The permittee shall submit an application to the Department no later than ten (10) business days prior to the event. No permit shall be issued unless the applicant is in full compliance with the laws and regulations governing the sale of Alcoholic Beverages, including alcohol excise tax laws [3.2].

Requirements for Raffles operated by nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations

If the contest involves raffles, a license must be obtained from the sheriff [1.2]. To obtain a license, nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations, including churches, schools, civic organizations, or related support groups; nonprofit organizations qualified under Section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended; or bona fide nonprofit organizations approved by the sheriff, which are properly licensed pursuant to this Code section shall be allowed to operate raffles. The sheriff may require the payment of an annual fee not to exceed $100.00. No license shall be issued to any nonprofit, tax-exempt organization unless the organization has been in existence for 24 months immediately prior to the issuance of the license. The license will expire at 12:00 Midnight on December 31 following the granting of the license. Renewal applications for each calendar year shall be filed with the sheriff prior to January 1 of each year and shall be on a form prescribed by the sheriff [1.2].

Additional Information

If the contest involves wine, a temporary special use permit may be required [3.1]. The permit authorizes the organization to auction wine in unbroken package for consumption off-premise only, for a period not to exceed three (3) days. The permit application must include a copy of an official document such as non-profit certification by the Internal Revenue Service or constitution and by-laws of the organization, or a corporate charter which clearly states the purpose of the organization. Additionally, the application must include a letter of authorization or a local permit issued for the event from local governing authorities. The non-profit charitable or civic organization holding a temporary special use permit may ship or otherwise transport wine, donated by a person who does not currently hold a license that has been issued by the Department pursuant to this Title or wine donated by a Georgia licensed retailer, to the location specified in the temporary special use permit [3.1].

Conclusion

In summary, to offer contests that involve charity donations in Georgia, specific requirements must be met depending on the type of contest. For contests involving the sale of alcoholic beverages, a Charitable Events Permit must be obtained. For raffles, a license must be obtained from the sheriff. If the contest involves wine, a temporary special use permit may be required.

Source(s):
Jurisdiction

Georgia, Georgia